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Reynolds HS freshman fired fatal shots

Teacher Todd Rispler praised for quick action that saved students

A 15-year-old freshman was identified Wednesday morning as the person who shot and killed a fellow student Tuesday morning in a Reynolds High School locker room.

Troutdale Police Chief Scott Anderson told reporters that Jared Michael Padgett shot and killed 14-year-old Emilio Hoffman shortly after 8 a.m. on June 10. Padgett was carrying an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and a semi-automatic handgun, which he did not use, Anderson said.

Padgett died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a school restroom after exchanging shots with two police officers who arrived quickly at the high school.

Anderson said Padgett carried his weapon in a guitar case and a duffel bag and wore a helmet and an ammunition vest during the incident. Padgett took the AR-15 from a locked case at his home. He also carried at least nine magazines with ammunition.

Starting at around 10:15 a.m., Tuesday, June 10, parents and students began to be reunited at the Wood Village Fred Meyer store parking lot.

"This is a very tragic day, one that I had hoped would never, ever be part of my experience," said Linda Florence, Reynolds School District superintendent. "We feel very sorry for the parents. Our students have just been wonderful."

Gunshots were fired at Reynolds High School at about 8 a.m. Tuesday, just as school started.

Students told reporters that two shots were fired as they went to seventh period. Students said the gunman ran down the hall carrying a weapon, chasing a physical education teacher, who also was shot. Troutdale Police have confirmed that Todd Rispler, a P.E. teacher at Reynolds, was shot at but he is OK.

Sgt. Carey Kaer, spokesman for Troutdale Police, could not confirm the extent of Rispler's injuries.

The school was put into lockdown during the incident.

A statement issued around 9:15 a.m. by the sheriff's office reads:

"At 8:07 a.m. this morning, police responded to Reynolds High School on the report of shots fired at the school. Multiple agencies responded and tactical teams are currently evacuating students and staff. The situation is stabilized, the shooter is confirmed deceased. Parents are asked to reunify with their students at the Wood Village Fred Meyer located at Northeast 223rd Avenue and Glisan Street. All other people are asked to stay away from the area. Hashtag will be using is #RHShooting."

Multiple agencies responded to the incident. KOIN 6 News reported that at least 100 police and sheriffs units were on scene, as well as at least 19 medical personnel.

A Life Flight helicopter also was seen landing at the school.

Calls to Pamplin Media Group indicated that other schools had canceled staff meetings as teachers and administrators monitored the situation. Nearby schools also were placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure.

Reynolds High School, with 2,800 students, is one of the two largest in the state. It serves an area that stretches from East Portland to Troutdale, and includes the cities of Fairview, Wood Village and portions of Gresham.